What stops audiologists using remote care tools to care for adults with cochlear implants?

OBJECTIVES: To identify barriers that audiologists face in adopting telemedicine in adult cochlear implant care, and to determine what is needed to overcome these barriers. METHODS: Prospective mixed-methods anonymous online survey of cochlear implant audiologists working with adults in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: Thirty-one complete responses were received in August - September 2024. Eighty-seven percent (27) had used remote care tools in their care of adults with cochlear implants. Twenty-nine percent (9) had never used remote care tools or used them rarely; no respondents used them daily. Sixty-eight percent of respondents reported frequent technical issues with remote care tools. Respondents were split equally when asked if remote care is less effective than in-person care, but 81% felt that the gold standard of clinical care is in-person care. Barriers to remote care could be overcome by improvements and enhancements to the cochlear implant manufacturers' tools, and easier and fuller integration into patient pathways and systems. CONCLUSION: The main barriers to audiologists using remote care were frequent technical problems and the perception that the gold standard of clinical care was in-person care. When telemedicine offers a seamless, accessible, person-centred care experience, perceptions about the gold standard of care may change.